there is also substantial marketing value in the canopy, and that might be more beneficial to a dealer than power savings. move those Volts! it's pretty cool whether you like the Volt or not. who doesn't understand at this point that oil is a major problem for the world, much less western economies that like to think of themselves as "self sufficient". a solar powered car is a powerful symbol for the re-emergence of energy self sufficiency in western economies, especially the United States after GM practically crashed and burned.
there are other interpretations, but bottom line the marketing value of the canopies is undeniable.